Gokarna means ‘Cows Ear’ in the local parlance. It is located at the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers Gangavali and Aghanashini.

 
(Photo shows the "Kotiteerth tank", a holy spot for the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins of this region. Photo Credit: lenchik)

It is about 60 Kms from Karwar, the headquarters of Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district in Karnataka. 

In the recent past this sleepy town has also become popular for its beaches. 
   
Om beach and Kudle beach are explored by travellers who have seen enough of Goa. Compared to Goa's party-like atmosphere, Gokarna is quietly tucked away in coastal Karnataka. 
   
Gokarna is first a holy town for the Hindus in South India and is also an important centre of Sanskrit learning and houses Bhandikeri Math and Toggu Math. 
   
It is a place where Sanskrit knowledge is passed from generations in Brahmin families. Many Hindus also perform last rites of a person here. 

It is town of temples like Mahabaleshwar Temple, Maha Ganapathi, Tamra-Gauri, Venkataramana, Uma-Maheshwari, Varadraj, and Bhadrakali Temple etc.  

Visit Gokarna's tourist attractions or know about reaching Gokarna or go back to Gokarna travel guide